I got my FUJI ACE 2003 for less than $500 USD,
featuring steel (comfortable) frame, cromoly
fork, SORA brakes and gears ...

This one literally "floats" on air, when cycling on it..

I am also weighing whether I should also
pick up the new FUJI ACE 2004 model, as the frame
is upgrading to aluminum ... just to have a
spare, aluminum bike waiting for me, on the side.

I would never consider TREK, or similar, as they're 30% to
40% more expensive, and you basically get the same thing,
as what FUJI is selling for less.

Mind you, if I were a billionaire like Bill Gates, I would
not have to buy a $500 or $1,000 bike ... I'd probably
try higher-end bikes, with lighter, Titanium alloy components,
like the Lite Speed, etc, that sell for $4,000 or $10,000 per unit.